Phoenixville residents demand ordinances after Feb. 3 enforcement; council pledges review and policy discussion

Dozens of Phoenixville residents told Borough Council on Feb. 10 that recent federal enforcement activity outside Borough Hall has left immigrant families frightened and called on the council to codify local protections.

At the meeting’s first public comment period, Sarah Howell, a borough resident and business owner, said witnesses and video of a Feb. 3 incident showed agents “dragging people violently from their vehicles” and demanded the borough adopt ordinances within 90 days to require federal agents to identify themselves, prohibit masks and unmarked vehicles, and bar use of borough property as staging areas. “The community is ready, and the community is begging you for leadership,” Howell said.

The meeting host read a prepared statement at the start of the meeting noting that immigration enforcement is a federal function and that the borough has not entered into a 287(g) memorandum of understanding and will not do so; the statement also urged residents to report crimes and seek help without fear. Council members reiterated that local police will not participate in immigration enforcement operations.

Several other residents gave first‑hand accounts or legal perspectives. Maureen Miner, who said she is a Department of Justice–accredited representative, reported she observed inaccuracies in how agents described the basis for the arrest and said the person taken had entered the country on an H‑1B visa and was not in immigration proceedings. “There was no immigration warrant for him,” Miner said, adding that the incident underscored the need for local transparency.

Other commenters urged concrete steps. Daryl Schumacher, an ESL teacher, urged council to follow neighboring municipalities such as Ambler and Radnor Township in enacting policies that prohibit local law enforcement and borough employees from assisting immigration operations or compiling immigration status information. David Lutzker suggested a calibrated role for local police during federal actions to reduce risk and calm bystanders.

Councilmembers acknowledged the depth of community concern. Policy committee chair Miss Vogel said the comments would be included in the minutes and discussed at the next policy meeting (the fourth Tuesday of the month). Councilman Weiss called the videos of the arrests “unacceptable” and said he was committed to pursuing “all legal actions available to counsel to protect our community.” The mayor thanked residents for speaking and urged continued contact with state and federal representatives.

What happened next: council did not adopt new ordinances at the Feb. 10 meeting but scheduled the matter for further policy review. Several residents and advocates urged quick, tangible measures (for example, expanded outreach, virtual court options, and visible municipal presence at community events) while recommending state or federal advocacy for broader change.

Why it matters: Residents described immediate safety and trust impacts — children missing school, families afraid to use public spaces, and businesses and nonprofit staff seeking ways to support vulnerable neighbors. Council’s next policy meeting will be the forum where councilmembers consider codified restrictions, noncooperation language, and other administrative steps.

What’s next: Councilmembers said staff will compile suggestions from tonight’s testimony for the policy committee. Residents asked for specific follow‑up (what data the police will share with the public, what ordinances will be introduced, and timelines for action).